The Volumes Biography

This Detroit, Michigan, R&B vocal ensemble comprised Ed Union (lead), Elijah Davis (first tenor), Larry Wright (second tenor), Joe Travillion (baritone), and Ernest Newsom (bass). Formed in 1960, the Volumes one hit on the local Chex label, I Love You, reached the US R&B Top 10 and pop chart number 22 in 1962 and showed them to be a typical transition ensemble. Their exotic riffing harmonies undergirded by Newsons marvellous burbling bass work harkened back to the world of doo-wop but Unions soaring and searing lead looked forward to the emerging soul era. Despite recording a body of magnificent music over the next decade on a succession of small Detroit labels, the Volumes never were able to achieve commercial success again. The group and their lone hit had been forgotten until 1986, when New Jersey-based Relic Records put out a compilation of their early 60s sides and unreleased a cappella numbers, and the world learned what an underestimated group the Volumes were.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.